Stay at Old Downton Lodge

Fascinating. Intriguing. Mesmeric. Pure escapism just seven miles from Ludlow.

Old Downton Lodge is a 5 star AA restaurant with rooms with unforgettable bedrooms: Quirky, luxurious, packed with history and designed to make you smile. The hospitality is relaxed and genuine it really gives the feel of a home-from-home. The food is exceptional and the wine list inspired.

Due to our size and location we offer Dinner on Tuesday - Saturday nights 6pm-9pm only. We serve either a delicious 6 or 9 course tasting menu using only the best fresh and local ingredients, where possible.

The Lodge

Parts of Old Downton are so ancient that history merges with legend: its renovation so sympathetic and creative that you may confuse fact with fiction.

A mixture of buildings – medieval, half-timbered and Georgian surround by a herb and flower bedecked courtyard that looks out towards the Hereford hills. This is pure escapism – a chance to immerse yourself in history and enjoy an experience that will live long in the memory.

The sitting room is redolent of its previous incarnation – there is no hiding the fact that this was once an impressive stable. Timbres that once fronted stalls now provide seating from which to watch the roaring log burner, socialise and enjoy a drink from the bar – or in summer to contemplate the spectacular sunsets over the Shropshire hills.

The most mysterious room of all is the museum– for a start no one knows the origins of its name. Its huge cider press can still trundle powerfully around its stone trough (with no drain to let the cider out!) and provides a dramatic focal point to a room which is ideal for small conferences and receptions.

Bedrooms

It may be a cliché, but in the case of Old Downton Lodge we can rightly claim that each of our bedrooms are unique.

Formed out of ancient stables and barns, you certainly won’t encounter uniformity here: A mixture of exposed beams, high ceilings, alcoves, malt shoots and hidey holes have all been incorporated in varying combinations in one room or another.

Nor is there anything uniform about the furnishings (apart from the fact that all the beds are wonderfully comfortable). Antique dressers, modern solid oak four posters and contemporary cool have all found their place. Stick with your favourite – or let serendipity guide you to a totally different experience on your next visit.

Photo Gallery

Transport Links

Town/City:

Airport:

Birmingham - 60 miles 1 1/2 hours

Railway Station:

Ludlow

Proprietors

Willem Vlok

Short Breaks

Old Downton Lodge in its current guise was designed with “exclusive use” in mind, quite literally!

Designed to meet the highest standards, Old Downton's nine luxury bedrooms and its large communal areas (for want of a better description) have been created to provide a wow factor for even the most cynical guests. From the atmospheric sitting room and bar, groups can be directed to the dramatic dining room or into the very large “Museum room” which, despite its massive cider mill, has plenty of space to host receptions, presentations or team building events.

Then there’s the grounds – a flower bedecked courtyard is the ideal place for parties to take advantage of long summer days and evenings – or open the doors of The Museum and let guests take in the fresh air and spectacular views of the Shropshire countryside. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, getting together with family and friends or need peace and quiet for a company meeting or corporate presentation Old Downton Lodge will provide both the levels of service and the backdrop to ensure your event is a success. In the winter it hosts private shooting parties (in fact, it hosts very successful shooting parties with guest lists that include the nobility, famous political figures, some of Europe’s leading socialites and multi-millionaires that arrive in private helicopters).

Dine at Old Downton Lodge

Head Chef Karl Martin has joined the team. He has created a daily tasting menu and is served Tuesday through to Saturday nights. Please contact us for this week's menu.

The dining room is in its pomp when set out for a party of eighteen, but it is equally romantic when laid out with tables of two or four. Its atmosphere is of a great medieval hall. In fact, it was built around the time of the Norman Conquest, but with small triangular windows - maybe a more prosaic history? You may not see the kitchen where Head Chef Karl Martin is paring down the choice of stunning fresh local produce – there’s so much to choose from!

Karl draws inspiration from local produce from local markets or his foraging expeditions in the Herefordshire countryside when creating his daily changing tasting menu. Dinner is available on a Tuesday through until a Saturday night between 6pm and 9pm. We will send you the menu in the week before your stay.

If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know at least 24 hours before you dine so that we can ensure it doesn't impact on your dining experience. The restaurant is also open to non-residents so we suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment (At least 24 hours before you dine).

Photo Gallery

Weddings at Old Downton Lodge

Intimate wedding parties are becoming ever more popular.

Old Downton Lodge offers the chance to celebrate in style with your close friends and family, the sense of occasion is created by the quality of the event rather than the number of guests.

Owners Willem and Pippa know how to organise your perfect weddings: they have made their reputation organising some of the regions grandest receptions and now they use their experience to bring the same high standards and attention to detail to exclusive weddings at the Lodge.

Book their self-contained and away from the crowds, book Old Downton Lodge for exclusive use - it provides a wonderful backdrop to plan a perfect wedding.

The courtyard and stunning scenery leaves photographers spoilt for choice.

The Sitting room and museum provide dramatic and spacious backdrops in which to entertain your guests – not to mention lots of inspiration for you to organise floral displays and bespoke decorations to ensure that your wedding really does reflect your own personality.

The dining hall combines drama and grandeur with an intimate feel – perfectly proportioned to entertain up to 35 guests in real style. Our Head Chef, Karl, creates fantastic menus that will impress even the most discerning diner.

At the end of a perfect day, you can rest content knowing that each of your guests has retired to a luxurious bedroom that is unique and full of character.

Photo Gallery

Meetings & Conferences at Old Downton Lodge

Small meeting & conferences meetings shouldn’t mean that you have small expectations!

Old Downton Lodge can be reserved exclusively for your meetings or small conferences so you can enjoy an environment that will concentrate the mind and inspire creative thinking.

If you need to be discreet, there can’t be a better venue in the country – you really will be away from prying eyes.

As break-out areas go, our secluded courtyard, with its stunning views, must surely be hard to beat.

If you want to stay indoors, there are plenty of light and airy rooms to choose from – creating meeting rooms and conference rooms that can easily accommodate any style of layout, with plenty of comfortable spaces for group work or project meetings.

Karl, our Head Chef, can create bespoke menus to suit your agenda – light snacks or buffet lunches or even extravagant evening meals to round off the day with some culinary team building!

Each delegate will retire to a luxurious bedroom that’s full of character. Assured of a sound and uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Photo Gallery

Special Offers

GOURMET BREAKS for TWO

Midweek Gourmet Break

One nights stay in a luxurious Superior room for 2 people including a 6 Course Tasting in our 3 AA Rosette Restaurant. Including Breakfast. Tue - Thu.

£189 for 2 (£86 saving)

Weekend Gourmet Break

One nights stay in a luxurious Superior room for 2 people including a 6 Course Tasting in our 3 AA Rosette Restaurant. Including Breakfast. Fri or Sat.

£219 for 2 (£106 saving)

Midweek Bed & Breakfast

One nights stay in a luxurious Superior room for 2 people with Breakfast in the Morning. Sun - Thu.

£99 for 2 (£56 saving)

Weekend Bed & Breakfast

One nights stay in a luxurious Superior room for 2 people with Breakfast in the Morning. Fri or Sat..

£139 for 2 (£66 saving)

The Small Print

• This offer is only valid for bookings made to arrive on or before Monday 30th April 2018. Bookings must be booked before Wednesday 14th February 2018.

• Full payment for the break is required at the time of booking.

• For cancellations made up to 14 days before the date of arrival 50% of the booking value will be refunded. After this time no refunds will be offered.

• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

• Tables for dinner should be provisionally booked at the time of booking to guarantee a table.

• More than 24 hours notice must be given for any dietary requirements - no menu changes can be made on the night of dining.

• You can upgrade to our 9 Course Tasting Menu for £30 per couple.

Our Location

Directions

From Ludlow take A49 towards Shrewsbury. At Bromfield, about 3 miles, turn left on A4113 to Knighton. After 2 miles turn left to Downton. Follow the single track road for 2.7 miles. We are on the right; follow the road to the car park.